Portugal strengthened their position in the UEFA Nations League with another victory on Sunday, coming from behind to defeat Norway 2-1 and secure their place in the quarter-finals. The result marked another successful outing for the reigning champions despite Cristiano Ronaldo being absent from the squad.
Norway initially looked set to cause an upset after taking the lead in the first half. Kristoffer Ajer put the visitors ahead in the 36th minute, producing a composed finish from outside the penalty area after receiving Martin Ødegaard’s delivery.
Portugal quickly responded, however, and restored parity only two minutes later. João Cancelo stepped forward with an impressive strike from distance, beating the Norway goalkeeper and bringing the hosts level before the break.
The second half remained closely contested, with both sides creating opportunities as Portugal looked for a way to complete the comeback. Their breakthrough eventually arrived in the closing stages when Gonçalo Ramos found the net in the 79th minute.
João Félix played a role in creating the opening before Ramos finished from close range to put Portugal in front. The goal proved decisive as the hosts protected their advantage through the final minutes.
Portugal were forced to defend with 10 men during the closing stages after Francisco Conceição was sent off in the 86th minute. The winger received two yellow cards in quick succession, leaving his teammates to see out the match with a numerical disadvantage.
Despite that setback, Portugal held on for three valuable points and confirmed their progression to the Nations League knockout stage. The victory was their fourth consecutive win in Group A4 and ensured they would finish among the top two teams in the group.
The result was also notable because Portugal achieved it without Ronaldo. The veteran forward had left the national team camp after learning that he would not start against Denmark. His absence generated considerable attention, but the Portuguese side has continued to produce positive results without its long-time captain.
Ramos has been particularly important in the attacking department. With Ronaldo unavailable, the forward has taken on greater responsibility and once again made the difference when Portugal needed a goal. His late strike against Norway demonstrated the depth available to coach Jorge Jesus.
While Portugal celebrated, Norway were left with another major concern involving their star striker. Erling Haaland was forced to leave the field in the 67th minute after appearing to pick up an injury.
The Manchester City forward signalled to the bench that he needed to be substituted and was later seen limping as he made his way off the pitch. The incident immediately raised questions about his fitness, particularly with Manchester City facing an important Premier League fixture against Liverpool the following weekend.
Haaland has remained a key attacking figure for City this season, making the extent of the injury an issue that will be closely monitored. Further assessment will be required before determining whether he will be available for his club’s upcoming matches.
For Norway, Haaland’s early departure added frustration to a match that had initially gone in their favour. Ajer’s opener gave them hope of securing an important result, but Portugal’s response ultimately changed the contest.
Portugal, meanwhile, can take considerable confidence from another comeback victory. Their ability to win without Ronaldo provides further evidence that the squad possesses enough attacking options to compete at the highest level.
The Portuguese team now moves into the next stage of the Nations League with momentum on its side. Ronaldo’s future involvement with the national side remains a talking point, but the door is reportedly still open for his return.
For now, Portugal’s focus will be on continuing their strong form and preparing for the quarter-finals. Norway will instead await further information on Haaland’s condition, with both his national team and Manchester City hoping the injury proves less serious than initially feared.
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